Footwear item having a flexible impermeable liner in contact with a foot and method of implementing the footwear item

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an item of footwear comprising a liner made of a flexible impermeable material and an outer layer. The liner is arranged to contact a foot and the liner and the outer layer are connected only at a cuff. In some aspects, the flexible impermeable material is sufficiently elastic to squeezingly conform to contours of the foot. The outer layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fiber materials, synthetic materials, and natural fiber and synthetic material blends. In some aspects, the item of footwear is a slipper or a bootie.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear, and more particularly, to a slipper or bootie having a liner in contact with a wearer's foot and made of a flexible impermeable material and an outer layer made of a cloth material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common treatment for foot conditions, such as dry skin, is to apply oil, unguent, or other medication to the affected area of the foot. To maximize the curative affect of the treatment, the medication should remain in contact with the foot for an extended period of time, for example, overnight. It is known to apply the medication and then cover the treated foot with a sock or slipper made of an absorbent material such as cotton. Unfortunately, the medication soaks into the material, lessening the curative affects of the treatment and causing possible staining of the sock or slipper or other items in contact with the sock or slipper.

It is known to wrap a treated foot with an impermeable material and then place a sock over the wrapping. This method keeps the medication in contact with the foot and prevents the medication from migrating. Unfortunately, the wrapping process can be awkward, may be difficult for some patients to perform, and results in the wrapped foot being completely encased in an impermeable layer that traps heat and prevents air movement around any part of the foot. As a result, the wrapped foot can be sweaty and uncomfortably hot.

Udugama (U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0145491) discloses a footcover for use with medications applied to a user's foot. Unfortunately, Udugama's footcover includes two separate toe pockets, which may not be necessary for most users, and which may be uncomfortable for many users. Also, Udugama's footcover does not provide an outer layer that is desirable for comfort when walking in the footcover, warmth when the foot is in a cool area, aesthetic appearance, or to protect other parts of the user's body from contact with the plastic material of the footcover.

Tumas (U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,617) discloses a latex-stocking bandage. Unfortunately, many people have severe latex allergies. Also, the bandage lacks an outer layer for warmth, aesthetic value, or comfort.

Therefore, what is needed is an item of footwear to keep a therapeutic compound in contact with a wearer's foot in a more comfortable manner, using safe materials.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an item of footwear comprising a liner made of a flexible impermeable material and an outer layer. The liner is arranged to contact a foot and the liner and the outer layer are connected only at a cuff. In some aspects, the flexible impermeable material is sufficiently elastic to squeezingly conform to contours of the foot. The outer layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fiber materials, synthetic materials, and natural fiber and synthetic material blends. In some aspects, the item of footwear is a slipper or a bootie.

The invention also broadly comprises a method for keeping a therapeutic compound in contact with a foot, comprising: surrounding at least a portion of a foot with a liner made of a flexible impermeable material, surrounding the liner with an outer layer made of a flexible material, and connecting the liner to the outer layer only at a cuff.

A general object of the present invention is to provide an item of footwear and method to comfortably keep a therapeutic compound in contact with a wearer's foot, using safe materials.

This and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from a reading and study of the following detailed description of the invention, in view of the drawing and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a present invention footwear having an amorphous shape;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the slipper shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a present invention slipper having a defined shape;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the slipper shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4; and,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a present invention slipper with a toe opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of present invention footwear 10 having an amorphous shape. Hereinafter, footwear 10 is referred to as slipper 10. However, it should be understood that footwear 10 is not limited to a slipper and that other types of footwear, for example, booties, are included in the spirit and scope of the claims. Slipper 10 includes liner 12 made of a flexible, impermeable material and outer layer 14 made of a flexible material. By impermeable, we mean the material forming liner 12 does not allow liquids to pass. In particular, liner 12 does not allow therapeutic compounds, which are described further below, to pass. The material for layer 14 can have different degrees of flexibility as described below. In some aspects, the materials for liner 12 and layer 14 are not particularly elastic or stretchy. As a result, liner 12 rests against portions of a user's foot, but is not stretched over or pressed against the user's foot by an elasticity of liner 12 or layer 14. Thus, the foot is less encased by the liner and the foot may feel less constricted to the user. In some aspects, the material of liner 12 or layer 14 is more elastic That is, liner 12 is stretched over or pressed against the user's foot due to a greater elasticity of the liner or outer layer. Alternately stated, the liner or outer layer squeezes the foot and conforms the liner to contours of the foot. The aspects with a more elastic liner or outer layer are useful for situations in which it is desirable to maintain a closer contact between a user's foot and the liner.

Layers 12 and 14 are joined together at cuff 16. In some aspects, cuff 16 is elastic. Cuff 16 can be made elastic by any means known in the art, including the use of an elastic band (not shown) within the cuff.

In general, slipper 10 is used in conjunction with a therapeutic compound or compounds applied to a user's foot. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to just use with a therapeutic compound. By therapeutic compound we mean any compound know in the art having soothing, healing, and/or generally medicinal properties. Therapeutic compounds include, but are not limited to, lotions, oils, creams, and unguents. Liner 12 is impermeable, therefore, the compound is not absorbed by liner 12, and the compound advantageously remains in contact with the user's feet. Further, liner 12 prevents the compound from touching other objects in contact with slipper 10. For example, if the user applies the compound and dons slipper 10 for an overnight treatment, liner 12 prevents the compound from staining the user's bedding. Layer 14 provides protection for liner 12, enabling liner 12 to be made as thin, lightweight, and inexpensive as possible, thus increasing the comfort and cost-effectiveness of slipper 10. As described below, layer 14 also can provide padding, insulation, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance for slipper 10.

In some aspects, slipper 10 is disposable and in some aspects, slipper 10 is substantially reusable. By disposable, we mean slipper 10 is designed and constructed for a limited number of uses. By substantially reusable we mean slipper 10 is designed and constructed for a larger number of uses. Typically, a disposable slipper 10 is made of thinner or less durable materials to minimize a cost associated with the slipper. On the other hand, a substantially reusable slipper 10 is typically made of heavier or more durable materials to enable the slipper to be used a greater number of times and in some cases to allow the slipper to be washed and reused.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the slipper 10 shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2. In FIG. 2, cuff 16 includes elastic band 18. In some aspects, liner 12 and layer 14 are connected only at cuff 16. That is, except for at cuff 16, liner 12 and layer 14 are free to be moved with respect to one another. In particular, liner 12 is free to be moved with respect to layer 14. This arrangement allows liner 12 and the user's foot to “float” within layer 14. The “floating” arrangement reduces binding of the user's foot, thus increasing the comfort of the user. Connecting liner 12 and layer 14 only at cuff 16 also enables liner 12 to be pulled out and away from layer 14. This can be useful, for example, in cleaning inner surface 20 of liner 12. In some aspects (not shown), liner 12 and layer 14 also are joined at other points besides the cuff. For example, the layers can be joined at cuff 16 and at a toe or heel segment of slipper 10.

Liner 12 and layer 14 can be joined at cuff 16 using any method known in the art. For example, in FIG. 2, layer 14 is folded over elastic band 18 and liner 12 to form cuff 16. Then, liner 12 and layer 14 and band 18 are stitched together at points 22. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular stitching arrangement and other stitching arrangements are included within the spirit and scope of the claims. Other methods of joining liner 12 and layer 14 include, but are not limited to, gluing and heat treatment. In some aspects, band 18 is connected to liner 12 and/or layer 14. In some aspects band 18 is not connected to liner 12 and/or layer 14. The method of joining liner 12 and layer 14 can be selected according to the materials used for liner 12 and layer 14 or the intended use of slipper 10, for example, whether the slipper is disposable or reusable.

Liner 12 can be made of any flexible impermeable material known in the art that is suitable for contact with human flesh. Another criterion for selecting a material for liner 12 is the desired degree of elasticity for liner 12. Examples of materials suitable for making liner 12 include, but are not limited to: cellulose acetate, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoro ethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and vinylchloride acetate. The thickness of liner 12 can be determined according to the material used for liner 12 or the intended use of slipper 10. For example, certain materials are more durable than other materials and can therefore be used in thinner layers to provide a same degree of durability. For a disposable slipper, thinner or less durable materials may be acceptable, since a disposable slipper 10 is subjected to a limited number of uses.

Layer 14 can be made of any flexible material known in the art. Typically, layer 14 is made of a woven or cloth material. For example, layer 14 can be made of natural materials such as cotton or wool, synthetic materials such as polyester, or natural/synthetic blends such as cotton and polyester. It should be understood that layer 14 is not limited to any particular material. As with liner 12, the material for layer 14 can be chosen according to the intended use of slipper 10. For example, a more durable and/or washable material for layer 14 may be preferable for a reusable slipper 10. There are additional considerations regarding layer 14. Layer 14 can provide padding or cushioning; therefore, a thicker material may be preferable. Layer 14 can provide an insulating layer; therefore, a “warmer” material, such as synthetic fleece, may be preferable. Also, layer 14 can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance; therefore, a brightly colored or patterned material may be preferable. The relative costs for materials suitable for liner 12 and layer 14 also are a factor in selecting these materials.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a present invention slipper 10 having a defined shape.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the slipper shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4. The following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 1 through 4. Slipper 10 is not limited to any particular shape. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some aspects, layer 14 is made of a firmer material to substantially maintain a specific, predetermined shape for slipper 10, for example, a more traditional slipper/shoe shape. In these aspects, area 24 is configured to accept a user's heel and area 26 is configured to accept the main portion and toes of the user's feet. In some aspects, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, layer 14 is made of a more flexible material and slipper 10 can take a plurality of amorphous or “baggy” shapes. That is, layer 14 is too flexible to maintain a single, specific shape.

Slipper 10 can be configured to cover different amounts of a user's foot. This can be facilitated by varying the size of opening 28 and areas 30, for example. In some aspects, to cover more of a user's foot, opening 28 is made smaller and areas 30 are made relatively larger to accommodate more of the user's foot. For example, opening 28 can be sized to substantially engage the user's ankle. In some aspects, to cover less of a user's foot, the size of opening 28 is increased and the sizes of areas 30 are decreased. For example, this configuration can expose most of the top of a user's foot. The variations in the size of opening 28 and areas 30 described above increase the efficacy, user comfort, and cost-effectiveness associated with slipper 10. For example, for those users only needing treatment for the bottom of their feet, the aspects including the larger opening 28 and smaller areas 30 may be more comfortable to wear. Also, these aspects of the slipper may be less expensive to produce and therefore more inexpensive for the user to purchase.

In FIG. 2, areas 30 are relatively equal in size. However, it should be understood that areas 30 can be of different sizes and that such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For example, one of the areas 30 can be larger to accommodate the bulk of a user's foot and the user's toes, while the other area 30 can be made smaller to accommodate the user's heel. This arrangement is somewhat analogous to the configuration shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The materials used for layer 14 may have a relatively low coefficient of friction with respect to surface upon which a user is walking. Thus, to improve the traction for slipper 10, in some aspects, slipper 10 include at least one gripping member 30 on sole 32. Sole 32 is understood to be that portion of slipper 10 in contact with a floor or the ground when the user is wearing slipper 10 and ambulating on the floor or ground. In particular, sole 32 has a side 34, not in contact with liner 12. Grippers 30 can be made of any material known in the art, such as rubber. The grippers can be attached to side 34 using any means known in the art, such as adhesives. Grippers 30 are shown on the slipper in FIG. 4, however, it should be understood that grippers 30 are generally applicable to any aspect of slipper 10.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a present invention slipper 10 with a toe opening. In some aspects, slipper 10 includes opening 36 in toe area 38. Toe area 38 is understood to be that portion of slipper 10 in the proximity of a user's toes. That is, the “front” end of slipper 10. Liner 12 and layer 14 are connected at circumference 40 of area 38. The description for FIG. 1 regarding the joining of liner 12 and layer 14 is applicable to liner 12, layer 14, and circumference 40. In general, opening 36 can be included in any aspect of slipper 10. Opening 36 is not limited to any particular size or shape. It should be understood that openings can be located in other parts of slipper 10 (not shown).

Slipper 10 is not limited to any particular size. In some aspects, slipper 10 can be configured as a “one size fits all.” For example, returning to FIG. 1, this can be accomplished by using a more flexible material for liner 12 and layer 14, providing generous amounts of liner 12 and layer 14, and/or providing generous sizing for areas 30 and a sufficiently elastic cuff 16. In some aspects, slipper 10 can be configured to correspond to traditional shoe sizes or ranges of shoe sizes. Slipper 10 is not limited to any particular appearance. Layer 14 can be made of materials having various colors and/or patterns. Appendages (not shown) can be added to slipper 10 to make create a desired appearance. For example, playful colors, patterns, or appendages make slipper 10 more attractive to children and increase their compliance with treatment involving slipper 10

Although the present invention has been shown with respect to an item of footwear, it should be understood that the present invention also is applicable to other items of wear (not shown), for example, gloves or bands for knees or elbows. Such items would be constructed in a manner similar to that described for FIGS. 1-5. For example, gloves or mittens could consist of a liner, designed to be in contact with a user's hands, and an outer layer connected to the liner at a wrist cuff. A band could consist of a liner and an outer layer joined together at two cuffs to form a tubular shape.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

-   -   What we claim is: 

1. An item of footwear, comprising: a liner made of a flexible impermeable material; and, an outer layer, wherein said liner is arranged to contact a foot and said liner is connected to said outer layer only at a cuff.
 2. The item of footwear recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible impermeable material is sufficiently elastic to squeezingly conform to contours of said foot.
 3. The item of footwear recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible impermeable material is selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoro ethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and vinylchloride acetate.
 4. The item of footwear recited in claim 1 wherein said outer layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural fiber materials, synthetic materials, and natural fiber and synthetic material blends.
 5. The item of footwear recited in claim 1 wherein said cuff is elastic.
 6. The item of footwear recited in claim 1 wherein said liner and said outer layer are arranged to assume a plurality of amorphous shapes.
 7. The item of footwear recited in claim 1 wherein a material for said outer layer and a configuration of said outer layer are selected such that said item of footwear substantially maintains a specific shape.
 8. The item of footwear recited in claim 1 wherein said item of footwear is disposable.
 9. The item of footwear recited in claim 1 wherein said liner and said outer layer are arranged to form a toe area having an opening with a circumference and said liner and said outer layer are joined at said circumference.
 10. The item of footwear recited in claim 1 wherein said outer layer further comprises a sole and said sole comprises a side not in contact with said liner; and, said item of footwear further comprising: at least one gripping member fixedly attached to said side.
 11. The item of footwear recited in claim 1 wherein said item of footwear is selected from the group consisting of a slipper and a bootie.
 12. A slipper for use with a therapeutic compound applied to a foot, comprising: a liner made of a flexible impermeable material; and, an outer layer made of a flexible cloth material, wherein said liner is arranged to contact a foot and said liner is connected to said outer layer only at an elastic cuff.
 13. A method for keeping a therapeutic compound in contact with a foot, comprising: surrounding at least a portion of a foot with a liner made of a flexible impermeable material; surrounding said liner with an outer layer made of a flexible material; and, connecting said liner to said outer layer only at a cuff.
 14. The method recited in claim 13 further comprising: arranging said liner to contact said foot.
 15. The method recited in claim 13 further comprising: selecting an elastic said flexible impermeable material; and, squeezingly conforming said liner to contours of said foot.
 16. The method recited in claim 13 further comprising: selecting said flexible impermeable material from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoro ethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and vinylchloride acetate.
 17. The method recited in claim 13 further comprising: selecting said flexible material for said outer layer from the group consisting of natural fiber materials, synthetic materials, and natural fiber and synthetic material blends.
 18. The method recited in claim 13 wherein said cuff is elastic.
 19. The method recited in claim 13 further comprising: forming said liner and said outer layer into a toe area; forming an opening in said toe area, where said opening comprises a circumference; and, joining said liner and said outer layer at said circumference.
 20. The method recited in claim 13 further comprising: forming said outer layer into a sole, where said sole comprises a side not in contact with said liner; and, fixedly attaching at least one gripping member to said side. 